3.4

Darrin Murray

Communication Studies - Loyola Marymount University

3.4
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
3.4
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.4
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

34

4

12

3

14

2

12

1

11

What Students Say

He wants the best for his students

CMST2800 - 5.0 rating

Although I didn't love this class, the speech assignments were interesting, and he was a fair grader

CMST1600 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

57%

Textbook Required

30%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
A- (4)
A (3)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(6)
Based on 20 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
A-: 4
A: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (11)
Gives good feedback (5)
Get ready to read (5)
Lots of homework (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Participation matters (3)
Caring (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.43 avg change
Jan
May
Aug
Apr
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

451

5.0

(1)

CMST203204

5.0

(1)

COMS452

5.0

(2)

CMST452

5.0

(1)

COMS393

5.0

(1)
+28 more courses
Difficulty by Course

COMM

5.0

RHET1000

5.0

CMST1700

4.6

THEORIES

4.5

COMS452

4.5

Reviews (83)
3.0
3.0
CMST201
Nov 18, 2002

Students given a subject to present in class + midterm & final- it's decent.

4.0
4.0
COM
Nov 18, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
CMST
Nov 19, 2002

No Comments

3.0
4.0
COMM301
May 8, 2003

his theories class is pretty tough, unfortunately unless someone else teaches the class theres no way to get around it.

5.0
4.0
THEORIES
Mar 26, 2004

he teaches class as though it were graduate level course. however, he is very clear and you will learn more in this class than any other offered in the major. be prepared to work really hard but to be a better student for it.

4.0
2.0
CMST100
Apr 16, 2004

Intro. to public speaking is definitely reasonable class. Blackboard is used a lot in the course. Assignments come in spurts, so be prepared to have no homework for a month and then all of the sudden major stress over your speech.

4.0
4.0
301
Apr 19, 2004

Theories unfortunatly is a boring class, but the professor is really nice and tires hard to make it interesting. He is very helpful and easy to get help from outside of class.

4.0
4.0
CMST301
May 16, 2004

His theories class involves a LOT of work, but it is obvious that Murray really cares about his teaching. Be prepared to work hard and spend lots of time on blackboard.

5.0
2.0
THEORY
Jul 8, 2004

Theory must be the most boring class to teach ever, yet he honestly seems to enjoy it. He tries to make the best out of tedious subject matter. Lectures are obviously boring, but he is straight to the point and does not try to trick you on tests.

5.0
2.0
CMST170
Dec 8, 2004

He's a great teacher, who is very friendly and always smiling. He is always willing to help you if you need help, and his tests and quizzes are very easy to pass in this class since he posts them online and allows you to use you book while taking them. I definately recommend him.

5.0
2.0
CMST100
Dec 18, 2004

I was realling stressed out over taking this class and having to do speeches but he makes you relax and be cool about them. As long as you prepare before hand for the speech with all he tells you to do, you'll be okay. He tells you your mistakes but is lenient with them.

3.0
5.0
CMST203
Apr 11, 2005

by reading the previous reviews I thought I was getting a great professor. He's a nice guy and means well, but his lectures are confusing and boring (despite his enthusiasm), and his assignments are ridiculously long. be prepared for some long nights.

2.0
4.0
CMST203
Apr 18, 2005

I thought he was going to be a great teacher because he is so energetic, but he is very confusing and vague. The whole class is taught by power point. His assignments are very long and begin to pile up on top of one another during the semester. You have a midterm, a final, and a final paper.

4.0
3.0
CMST203
Apr 20, 2005

Murray is really enthusiastic. He can laugh at himself and tries to relate the theories to real-life examples. He can get difficult because assignments can be somewhat overwhelming, but guarenteed he'll help you during office hours and he usually gives you plenty of time to complete them.

5.0
3.0
COMM203
Apr 29, 2005

Comm theory is a boring class but he makes it fun with his personality. Hes a very tough teacher, but comm students will benefit from him. There are several papers throughout the sem. which are pieces of the huge 20 page paper at the end! Tough assignment, but helpful. Tests are easy. Go to class!!

3.0
4.0
COMMTHEORY
May 13, 2005

Murray is an ok guy, makes his class confusing and his tests are too long. I could have done better in the same class but different teacher. His assignments are long.

3.0
3.0
CMST203
May 21, 2005

Murray is an good guy, but the class is confusing. I don't know if I could have done better with another professor or not. He seems to really want to help students. His class seemed impossible at times, but I got a B+. The assignments are challenging, but they help you understand the material because the book and lectures are pretty much pointless.

2.0
4.0
COMM203
Jun 3, 2005

Terrible class. Assignments are long and hard. Classes are boring, just straight lecture. Murray seems like a nice guy at first, but he doesn't really seem to care about his students. Final paper is extremely time consuming. He uses blackboard all the time and it's so annoying!

4.0
3.0
COMM203
Jun 7, 2005

Theory in general is a boring and pruposeless class, therefore the lectures are boring however about 2 weeks of class were cancelled because he could not be there and you never have to go to class anyways since ur friends can sign u in and his notes are on blackboard. Willing to help and not too hard a grader.

2.0
5.0
COMM
Aug 30, 2005

He speaks a language that is from outer space. I was going to say that he's helpful, but alien dialect doesn't help, whether you go to his office hours or not.

3.0
4.0
THEORY
Sep 3, 2005

I cannot stand this man!!! He totally plays favorites, and if he doesn't like you, he won't help you. He's boring, gives really really long super fast drawn out lectures... and the tests ask extremely specific questions.... so if you understand over all id

5.0
4.0
THEORY
Sep 30, 2005

You guys need to realize that college isn't always easy. He was a great professor and I learned so much from this class. Yes, theory is boring, but that's true with any professor. If you study for the tests and really work hard on that final paper you should do fine. I got an A in his class.

5.0
4.0
CMST203204
Oct 25, 2005

I have had Murray both for 203 and 204 and I would recommend him to anyone. The class is not easy but he tries very hard to help as much as he can. If you are willing to go to him for help then he is most definitely there for you. I think he is an excellent teacher in the long run even if his lectures are confusing at times.

4.0
2.0
COMM203
Nov 18, 2005

He is ok, if you can get past his arrogance and intellectual snobiness. He doesn't like you if you ask questions that are just questions for clarity. He will make you feel kind of stupid. However,he is always available and he tries to help make you do well in his class. I can't stand the subject of research so that may be why I hated this boring cl

5.0
3.0
CMST204
Nov 21, 2005

LOOOVEE Murray. He is VERY clear and basically spoon feeds you assignments. As long as you follow the outline he makes for you, you are fine. Some people get offended by his comments, but honestly, they need to grow up and move on. Gives a great amount of direction and instruction. He is there if you need help. TAKE HIS CLASS.

5.0
3.0
CMST301
Nov 22, 2005

Very helpful teacher. Truly cares about material & his students. Always puts himself w/in reach (email,AIM,etc.). His jokes make class funny, no matter how corny. Haha. Great teacher. Highly recommended. Class not too difficult. With his help, easily doable. Takes roll w/sign-in sheet everyday. Hard to have friends forge ur signature.

5.0
4.0
CMST204
Nov 22, 2005

Darrin's the man. He's so helpful in office hours, email, after class, etc. 2 midterms, a final and a 20 research prospectus are brutal, but he is always available for help. Midterms and Final usually consist of sample questions on Bb.

5.0
3.0
CMST204
Nov 29, 2005

I've had him for two semesters now and sometimes he has pointless assignments, but he's a good professor. He is always willing to help you make your project or paper better!

2.0
5.0
CMST203
Apr 5, 2006

Darrin makes an already abstract subject even more so because he he feels that he has to show off how much he knows. He uses a complex vocabulary and talks way too fast. He is very arrogant and will shoot you down when you have a question or comment. It is annoying how reliant he is on Blackboard, everything he does involves that stupid program.

5.0
4.0
CMST203
Apr 19, 2006

Not easy but very good teacher. Even though his class can be hard at times and sometimes intimidating, he does his best to make the material approachable. His lectures are very clear and has very specific directions for assignments. I would recommend this teacher.

3.0
2.0
COM203
Jun 26, 2006

His midterm and final were very easy got A+ on both of them. Little assignments aced those but the huge paper made my grade lower. i ended up with an A- He talks alot and states interesting ideas and thoughts. Take him.

4.0
3.0
CMST203
May 11, 2007

I've taken 3 classes with him (170, 203, 204). Straightforward. Attendance is necessary to take notes from his power point and understand the material. As long as you do that, you'll be fine. 170 was the most interesting. Big papers at the end of 203/204. 203/204 aren't as fun, but he tries to make it interesting. Take him

3.0
2.0
CMST100
Nov 17, 2008

I hate this class. It's probably the most useless waste of my time i've ever encountered. I'm so glad that Murray is a moderately interesting professor. Though sometimes i wonder how he can lecture about keeping audience attention when everybody in class is sleeping. He doesnt grade speech delivery as much as speech outlines, which is really good.

5.0
4.0
COMM203
Nov 23, 2008

If you are a communication studies major take him!! I will admit, this class is kinda tough. But he is brilliant and is always available to help. If you are lazy and disinterested in actually learning , then you should probably not take him. Do yourself a favor and dont be afraid to take a chance to learn!!

3.0
3.0
CMST100
Dec 8, 2008

Like most intro cmst classes, this class is pretty useless. Also, instead of picking favorites, he singles out people to direct unjustified hatred towards. Midterm, final, four speeches. nothing too difficult, though he can grade speeches pretty harshly. Take him if you're good at sucking up b/c he's a jerk for sure.

4.0
4.0
COMM100
Dec 9, 2008

Waste of time. Lectures were pointless because the textbook said the same exact thing. Very sarcastic and does this annoying giggling thing. Quizzes based on text, very easy. 4 speeches plus outlines. Harsh speech grader. midterm was multiple choice and easy. final was to make an outline. hardest part is giving speeches. I fell asleep regularly.

2.0
4.0
COM203
Dec 20, 2008

Very rude when asking questions. Acted intimidating. Lectures were boring. Solely powerpoints. He made this class seem harder than it seemed. I was freaking out at the end of the semester but ended up with a B+. Don't take this class.. he makes it hell.

2.0
3.0
CMST203
Apr 29, 2009

This guy just loves the sound of his own voice & laughs at his own jokes which aren't funny. He can be nice but he goes way too fast & does not make the material interesting. Huge, confusing term paper that you work on all semester. I'm a comm major and enjoy most comm classes, but this one is terrible! Boring, lengthy, over my head. Dont take!

5.0
3.0
COMM204
Apr 29, 2010

He is very organized, clear, and easy to understand. Midterms and finals are fair because he gives very helpful study guides. Most lectures are full of interesting examples. The only downside is the twenty page term paper, but use his guidance, he is very flexible to meet up with in office hours.

5.0
4.0
CMST204
Nov 4, 2010

Alot of lecture but it was all relevant and usually interesting. very helpful if u ask. Doesnt answer his phone but reply to email right away. Best to take for 203 and 204

5.0
4.0
CMST203
Nov 4, 2010

Awesome, funny, expects students to actually work,

4.0
5.0
THEORIES
Jan 24, 2011

Follow the reading guides you will get A's on the tests. I was challenged and did learn a lot. The doosie is the 20pg term paper, DO NOT FALL BEHIND ON THIS! Be persistent! Go to office hours! My grade in the class was a 94% before the paper, and an 89% after... I got a B on the 20pg paper, which resulted as a B+ in class. regrets.FOCUS TO SUCCEED

2.0
3.0
CMST204
Apr 18, 2011

His tests are all scantron and pretty easy if you read the text book. 20 page paper due at the end of the semester, fortunately he does grade pretty easy. He acts like he wants to help you, but he really doesnt. Me and a classmate emailed him totally separate questions and he send us word for word the same response.

3.0
4.0
COMM204
Apr 25, 2011

Professor Murray is a nice guy but his class sucks. The material is already boring enough but he adds work that is tedious and miserable. He wants to help but it just never works out for anyone.

5.0
4.0
COMM204
May 14, 2011

Good guy. Good class. There were a couple of lazy dumb asses who hated him. But I learned alot. He's really not as hard as his rep makes him out to be. Great teacher if your serious about comm.

5.0
4.0
CMST204
May 14, 2011

I loved this class. This is my second class with Murry and I will take another if I can.

5.0
2.0
CMST203
May 28, 2011

Great class great prof. Go to his office hours it really help if you get to know him.

5.0
4.0
CMST203
Jun 2, 2011

Nice guy. Good class. Requires a little too muuch work but otherwise OK

5.0
3.0
CMST204
Dec 2, 2011

good. helpful. you'll learn more from murray than anyone else

3.0
3.0
COMS453
Dec 24, 2012

Only values his own opinion. Acts like he is available to help but gets irritated every time you reach out to him. Attendance is mandatory; 15% deduction on entire grade for anything past 2 absences. If you can take his attitude and really long, boring lectures go ahead and take this class! Overall, one of those classes you ENDURE not ENJOY

5.0
5.0
COMS452
Apr 4, 2013

One of the best profs in the communications major.

5.0
3.0
CMST393
Apr 4, 2013

Really relevant class, helpful professor that cares about his students. Cares a lot about how we can use what we learn. Can be really flexible if you ask and if you work with him.

5.0
2.0
CMST393
Apr 8, 2013

Good class. Helpful Prof. Not really that tough.

5.0
4.0
CMST204
Apr 15, 2013

Had to drop another 204 and I was glad I ended up in this one. Really cares about his students and wants us to succeed. Not the most interesting topic, but he made it bearable.

5.0
3.0
CMST452
Jul 2, 2013

Good prof. Knowledgeable, fair, and actually wants his students to succeed. I'd take a class from him again

2.0
1.0
CMST
Grade: A-
Aug 22, 2014

Boring. Boring. Boring.

1.0
3.0
COMS351
Grade: B
Jul 2, 2015

OMG Honestly... I have had the WORST experience of my life No Help At All... Refuses to answer the questions.. You would rather look at the sky and do nothing then to spoil your minutes listening to his life's stories. Very Rude. He thinks he is funny but EVERYONE hates him. If you want to waste your time this class is just right for you

5.0
4.0
451
Grade: B+
Sep 23, 2015

Great prof. Always willing to help. Extremely knowledgeable about CMST and great for career advice, too. HIghly recommended.

1.0
5.0
COMS351
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2015

WORST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN AT CSUN. I thought this was going to be an interesting class, but it was the absolute worst. He is not helpful at all, rants about nonsense and never gets to the point. Whenever people ask questions he replies with a rude answer making you feel uneducated. Beware of the term paper..I advise you to STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!

5.0
3.0
COMS393
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2015

I really enjoyed his class, and learned more about communications than just about any other class I took here. Highly recommended.

5.0
2.0
CMST352
May 2, 2016

He's a tough grader, but his lectures are very clear and he is very helpful. He has a great sense of humor, so it's easy to sit through class - time goes by quickly. He also wears cool neckties every day, so it's fun to see what he comes in with each morning. Awesome dude. He's there for you if you need support in any way.

5.0
3.0
CMST352
May 10, 2016

To be honest, I know most students feel that Murray's class is hard. But in my eyes, I thought he was challenging in a good way. Murray is a great professor who has an awesome sense of tie (yes neck ties) style and is extremely helpful. Gives helpful feedback and really cares about his students, not to mention his humor makes the class even better!

3.0
1.0
CMST393
Grade: A
Aug 23, 2016
Would take again

He's not great with names and grades you based on participation poker chips you collect during class. The material is easy easy easy and you review the same topic for 15 weeks, so you'll definitely get an A if you are a breathing human who participates at least once a week. One sentence will earn you a chip.

Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
4.0
COMS452
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

I've had Murray for two classes now and he is one of the most genuinely caring teachers at LMU. He will make you work for your grade but you will come out from one of his classes feeling accomplished and like you have something to take away. He may seem intimidating to approach at first but once you approach him you'll get amazing feedback.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Get ready to read
5.0
2.0
COMS2800
Grade: A
Nov 16, 2017
Would take again

Excellent prof. highly recommended

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Caring
1.0
5.0
CMST2800
Nov 27, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Has an unecessarily hard final project that he isnt willing to help you out on. A good teacher but dont take his class if it has a community based learning aspect. I went to him for help out of class multiple times but he was rude and not open to answering any questions.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
CMST2800
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

He is always willing to help you outside of class if you reach out to him. He wants the best for his students. His rubrics for the speeches make it very clear what he wants and they are very thorough. I greatly appreciate all of the effort he puts into his class.

Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
CMST2800
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Murray is a kind professor who cares about his students. If you take your speeches seriously and listen to his tips, you will be successful in this class. Take him if you want to learn, and also have an enjoyable time.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
3.0
3.0
CMST1600
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class was not one that I would look forward to going to. Professor Murray would lecture 80% of the time, and the other 20% was giving and listening to speeches. His lectures were usually unimportant and he would repeat a lot of information. Although I didn't love this class, the speech assignments were interesting, and he was a fair grader.

Gives good feedback
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
CMST203
Grade: A-
Dec 16, 2018
Would take again

Professor Murray's class is set up lecture style, with some classes student led. These student led chapter teachings give students an opportunity to learn informational so well that they can teach the class themselves. Dr Murray cares so much about his students and presents helpful feedback that will help improve your writing and presenting.

Participation matters
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
4.0
5.0
RHET1000
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 25, 2021
Would take again

Learned a lot about public speaking and wrote some great paper, but the amount of work was insane for me as a college first semester freshman, and I had to work really hard for a decent grade. But I will say he is a great guy and really kept our online class engaged and interested.

Lots of homework
Caring
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CMST1700
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The weekly assignments were reading a chapter, watching a lecture, and taking a quick quiz... simple. But, there is a final paper that's 15 pages and extremely difficult. Dr. Murray gives you an outline, but little to no help or preparation. No matter what, you will not be prepared for the final paper. I do not feel like I was set up to succeed.

Tough grader
2.0
3.0
CMST1700
Dec 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Murray tries to make it seem like he is there to help you, but is very rude and accusatory when you ask questions. He always makes you feel stupid for asking or like you don't know the answer because you haven't been doing the work. In reality, his class is just really confusing and his expectations are baffling. HUGE final paper, confusing, &rude.

1.0
5.0
CMST170
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Would rather eat nails than take this class ever again. Nothing can prepare you for how difficult the assignments in this class are. He is extremely rude when you ask for help and even is unhelpful once he replies. The 15 page paper at the end of the semester alone will make you want to change your major.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CMST1700
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE DARRIN MURRAY!!!!!!! I wish a ZERO was a possible rating on here. He is rude, says hes there to help but he is not, and makes you feel dumb. Final paper is 15 pages & he throws you to the wolves to complete it. WORST and RUDEST professor ive ever had. His expectations for undergrad students that TAKE OTHER CLASSES are overwhelming.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CMST1700
Dec 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class was by far my hardest this semester, Murray is a terrible teacher. He is so rude when it comes to helping his students out. I hated this class so much my grades in other classes suffered because I had to focus all of my energy on his stupid final paper. Worst assignment ever! He acts like this is the only class his students are taking.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CMST1700
Grade: A-
Jan 20, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Honestly worked extremely hard to get by with an A-, does not believe in extra credit. Extremely harsh grader, beware of final paper it was very difficult to write. Pretty condescending and makes you feel uneducated when asking questions and slightly disinterested while participating in class. Extremely high expectations. Would not recommend.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
COMM2400
Jan 31, 2022
Wouldn't take again

That was so bad I want to give you a zero but that's not possible, so I'll give you a one. Way too much reading, unhelpful teaching, homework is essentially essays. I shouldn't be this stressed.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
CMST1700
Grade: B+
May 11, 2023

He isn't a bad guy, but it is tough to follow the class and everyone was stressed. He is a harsh grader and the final 15-page paper (minimum) was extremely hard. Taking his class makes it hard to focus on your others. Other friends took this class with different professors; it was a lot easier. I wouldn't recommend it.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
CMST1700
Grade: B
Aug 29, 2023

Darrin Murray is the worst professor at this university. He will spring big assignments on you and then grade them INSANELY hard w/ no help. At the end of the semester be prepared to write a 15-20 page paper with 16 sources. I had to FIGHT for a B in his class and I am an A student so I wish you the best of luck if you choose to take Darrin Murray

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
CMST2800
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 29, 2024

Organizational Communication is already going to be an extremely boring subject to teach but somehow he made it even more boring lol, he just talks the entire time with non-engaging slides. Papers are pretty short, but he grades a little tough.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
CMST1600
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2024

Not a bad professor at all! He is clear with his expectations and always there to help when needed! Be prepared for the essay at end, but he gives out an outline and is helpful. The exams were all open-notes.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
1.0
5.0
CMST1600
Grade: C
Jan 22, 2025

This guy is the worst professor at the university by far. If you take him be ready to fail. The worst thing is he is on his tenure so there no getting rid of him. I hope Darrin Murray sees this because you made me dislike Loyola Marymount because of you. He ruined my Tuesday and Thursday mornings as I had him back to back. DO NOT TAKE. AVOID!!!!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

57%

Textbook Required

30%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
A- (4)
A (3)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(6)
Based on 20 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
A-: 4
A: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (11)
Gives good feedback (5)
Get ready to read (5)
Lots of homework (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Participation matters (3)
Caring (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.43 avg change
Jan
May
Aug
Apr
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

451

5.0

(1)

CMST203204

5.0

(1)

COMS452

5.0

(2)

CMST452

5.0

(1)

COMS393

5.0

(1)
+28 more courses
Difficulty by Course

COMM

5.0

RHET1000

5.0

CMST1700

4.6

THEORIES

4.5

COMS452

4.5

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